Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Oberyn’s Instructions
That evening, the Sealord hosted a banquet for Oberyn and Wright.
Nymeria, as Wright's wife, sat beside him, while Tyene sat next to Oberyn. Both women had changed into the local noblewomen's attire provided by the Sealord.
The feast featured various types of seafood, all prepared in the distinctive style of Braavos.
Sealord Ferrego: "Oberyn, you're not just here for leisure, are you?"
Oberyn: "Dorne's fruit harvest will be high next season. If you want, we can sell some to you."
Sealord Ferrego: "Of course, we still have a high demand for fruit for the Braavos navy. I'll have the treasurer contact you about it tomorrow. Wright, have you taken care of the Iron Bank matters?"
Wright: "It was settled this afternoon, but I requested that the gold be transported in a single shipment. However, the Iron Bank insisted on dividing it into multiple shipments for safety."
Sealord Ferrego: "Those profit-driven usurers! They're afraid! If the money isn't in your hands, and something happens, they'll take the loss themselves. Tomorrow, I'll speak to the Iron Bank and tell them to hire the Purple Fleet for protection. They won't even spend a small sum like that."
Wright: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty."
Sealord Ferrego: "Wright, this is perfect timing since it's the annual celebration here in Braavos. Don't rush to leave, you should enjoy yourself while you're here."
Wright: "Annual celebration?"
Oberyn: "Braavos holds its city anniversary celebration every year. It's a ten-day feast and carnival. Especially at night, everyone wears masks, and everyone enjoys themselves, dancing and reveling. On the tenth day at midnight, the Titan of Braavos sounds its horn, and at that moment, everyone removes their masks. Who knows what surprises await?"
Wright thought to himself, this sounded just like the Carnival of Venice. He definitely wanted to be a part of it.
"Then I'll be a guest for this time, Your Majesty."
Sealord Ferrego: "Hahaha, Wright, you're too polite. You're my guest, and that means you're Braavos's guest. Enjoy yourself here. Behind the palace, there's also a Menagerie you can visit, filled with rare and exotic beasts collected by past Sealords."
"I'm quite interested in the anniversary celebration. I'll visit the Menagerie when I have time," Wright said, dismissing the idea of going there. He didn't like the smell of animal waste and wasn't fond of horses, let alone a zoo, so he just pretended to show interest to the Sealord.
That evening, Oberyn gifted Wright and the others with several exquisite masks. The group made their way toward the area near the Purple Harbor, where the finest taverns and entertainment venues in the city were located.
During the day, everything seemed normal, with no sign of any festive atmosphere. But by nightfall, the streets were lit with torches, and people dressed in all kinds of luxurious attire with masks filled the area.
The taverns were bustling with activity, and so were the streets. Musicians and bards, each playing a different style of music, sang and performed on the streets, while people drank and danced.
Following Oberyn, they entered a high-end tavern. Inside, the clientele consisted of nobles and wealthy merchants from various regions, as well as mercenaries and assassins who had made a small fortune and were indulging in the pleasures of the moment.
The tavern was even livelier than the street, with many courtesans performing for the patrons. Those with wealth and status could spend money to have them accompany them, either serving drinks or even providing more intimate services. The courtesans were considered the highest tier of service women; they were not just those who could be bought with money, but women skilled in music, dance, and literature, offering companionship to noble guests while elevating their own status.
In Braavos, becoming a courtesan was not seen as dishonorable. On the contrary, people of all ages admired them like they would celebrities. These women were beautiful, graceful, and dignified, often performing on stages across the city. Privately, they also formed connections with the powerful, and men adored their elegance. Many courtesan families had been established over time.
Each courtesan had her own "flower boat", where they entertained guests, but there were also occasions like this one where they were invited by high-end establishments during festivals or to accompany guests to banquets.
The noise of cheers, music, and dance filled the air. Everyone wore masks, temporarily concealing their identities as they reveled in the festivities. People, whether familiar or strangers, raised their glasses in toast, joining together in dance in the tavern's main hall.
Oberyn downed several more drinks before pulling Ellaria Sand onto the dance floor. The Dorne noble dances were vastly different from those of Westeros and the Nine Free Cities, full of exotic flair, and they earned applause from the crowd. Later, even Wright was dragged into a dance by Nymeria.
Unknowingly, everyone had gotten drunk.
Oberyn had Ellaria Sand in his left arm and a courtesan in his right. Daemon Sand also had a courtesan beside him. Wright and Tyene sat together while Nymeria was also enjoying herself, fondling a woman.
As midnight approached, a loud noise and numerous whistles rang out from the street in front of the tavern. Wright and the others looked toward the sound, and a young, beautiful woman, dressed in extravagant clothing, entered the tavern. Behind her, four young girls followed, holding her train.
"Merling Queen!" someone in the tavern clearly recognized her.
Daemon Sand, his eyes clouded with drunkenness, slurred, "The Merling Queen — she's the number one courtesan in all of Braavos!"
Wright: "Is she chosen by the people?"
Daemon Sand: "I don't know. I usually just go to some low-end places for fun and have heard some rumors about her."
The Merling Queen didn't just arrive at the tavern without reason. After greeting the guests with a noble curtsey, she walked directly toward Wright's table. In Braavos, apart from the Sealord, the highest status was likely that of Prince Oberyn.
The Merling Queen: "Greetings, Prince Oberyn."
Unfortunately, she arrived too late. While Oberyn was known for his indulgence, he wasn't the type to fall for every woman he encountered, or else he wouldn't have had four daughters with Ellaria Sand. It was also clear that Oberyn had known her before and didn't seem particularly interested in her.
Oberyn gave a nod and gestured toward Wright.
The Merling Queen smiled and immediately took a seat beside Wright. Her four attendants went to the tavern owner to get drinks, and as Oberyn had permitted her to sit, the bill was naturally charged to him.
The Merling Queen was incredibly beautiful, dressed in luxurious clothes, adorned with fine jewelry, and wearing expensive perfume from Lys. She leaned her head on Wright's shoulder while sitting between him and Tyene. Her hand slid down Wright's back, passing through his waistband and then intertwining with Tyene's, both resting against Wright's back.
Oberyn, sitting across from them, wore a slightly amused expression as he watched Wright. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
All the men in the tavern, whether sneaking glances or blatantly staring, were focused on the scene with the Merling Queen. Wright sat rigidly, afraid to move.
Nymeria, holding a beautiful woman, exchanged a sip of wine with her. Seeing Wright's tense expression, she couldn't help but chuckle.